If you're a food vendor at festivals and fairs, you might be in luck right now. Although many arts and crafts sellers are feeling the effects of the economy, some food vendors have been able to expand during these tough times. People are still going to craft fairs to browse, but they're more likely to pick up a bite to eat than a luxury to take home with them. Wondering how you can crank up your business for festivals and fairs? Here are some tips to help you.

First, check out new opportunities for fairs and festivals you may not have been to before. If you don't have a lot of capital to get started, opt for cheaper shows that are closer to your hometown so that you don't have to pay as much to get in or to get to the show. Look around online to get the requirements for being a part of different shows so that you know what to expect and can make a list of prospective new shows.

While you're at all these new shows, attract as many customers as you possibly can. A simple way to do this is by having lights on your display. Your lights can help attract more customers, especially during darker evening and nighttime hours.

You can also attract and keep more customers in a few different ways. One option is to use smell to entice more customers to your booth. Find a way to waft the cooking smells of your food out into the open, or light a candle that matches up with the items you're selling. For instance, you could use a cinnamon scented candle in the fall when you've got some great breads and comfort foods to sell. Sometimes people will be drawn to food more through their noses than anything else.

Another option is to actually give out samples. This will certainly attract people to your booth. Offer the things that your food vending service is most famous for. Just a small Dixie cup full of a drink or a tiny piece of fudge or elephant ear can be a good way to entice people to try more of your foods and drinks. If they like what they get with a small sample, they'll be more likely to actually buy something from your booth.